Mamata Banerjee ‘forced’ me to contest for Trinamool Congress: Kabir Suman

Renowned singer and public figure Kabir Suman has clarified that he is neither a member nor a supporter of the Trinamool Congress, saying that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had “virtually forced” him to contest elections in the past.

In an interview with Indian media outlet Aajtak Bangla, Suman said he was never formally associated with any political party and described his earlier electoral involvement as reluctant. “I am not a member of Trinamool, nor am I a Trinamool supporter. I was never part of any political party. Mamata Banerjee almost forced me to contest,” he said.

He added that he stepped away from politics after completing his term, making clear that he no longer holds any organisational affiliation with the party.

Commenting on the recent election results in West Bengal, Suman said public dissatisfaction was driven by multiple governance and administrative failures, particularly issues related to employment and job irregularities.

While acknowledging some welfare initiatives, he said it would be incorrect to claim that everything done by Mamata Banerjee as Chief Minister was flawless, though he cited the “Sabuj Sathi” scheme as a positive initiative.

Suman also said he hopes the incoming government will maintain law and order and continue to ensure women’s safety in the state.

Despite distancing himself from party politics, he added that his personal voting preference remains unchanged, saying he would still vote for Trinamool Congress if elections were held again.